Towards a Higgs phase of gravity in string theory

TL;DR

This paper explores a string theory scenario where a black brane induces a Higgs phase of gravity by spontaneously breaking Lorentz symmetry while maintaining rotational and translational invariance, using moduli stabilization techniques.

Contribution

It proposes a new approach to realize a Higgs phase of gravity within string theory through braneworld setups and moduli stabilization methods.

Findings

Black brane breaks Lorentz symmetry on our brane

Moduli stabilization via KKLT potential supports Higgs phase

Maintains rotational and translational invariance

Abstract

We consider a braneworld scenario with a black brane parallel to our brane, aiming towards a Higgs phase of gravity in string theory. The existence of the black brane spontaneously breaks the Lorentz symmetry on our brane but preserves the rotational and translational invariance. If all moduli are stabilized then this should lead to a Higgs phase of gravity. We investigate moduli stabilization by using a KKLT-type moduli potential in the context of type IIB warped flux compactification.